Another observation is my cadence is a good bit higher than what I normally used to ride. With my muscles being more tired I just can't create the watts I normally could. I guess I've compensated for it by pushing an easier gear and spinning faster. It's become the new norm......for now.

I've experimented and found I can go faster by spinning an easier gear at a higher rpm. Saves the legs as well.

It used to be a gear with a cadence of 90 felt pretty easy. 90 rpm is a pretty hard gear for me to turn right now so my cadence has increased to the high 90s. I know the upcoming hills will feel harder so I'll just go slower than normal. I really haven't used my 32 (50/34) so I will have that if needed.